The newly elected government is expected to appoint a new Director General for the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) by the end of June 2025, as the current DG, Air Vice Marshal H. M. S. K. B. Kotakadeniya (Retd), will retire on 26 June upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.
Air Vice Marshal Kotakadeniya, who was appointed by the previous administration on 13 March 2024, previously served as a Board Director of CAASL since 12 August 2022. During his tenure, he played a key role in strengthening the Authority’s regulatory framework.
According to reliable sources, the incoming Director General is a highly experienced professional with decades of service in the civil aviation sector, particularly in regulatory affairs. The appointment comes at a critical time as Sri Lanka gears up for the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) in 2026.
Sources also revealed that the cabinet’s approval process for the new appointment is in its final stages.
The Civil Aviation Authority plays a pivotal role in ensuring safe, secure, and efficient air operations in Sri Lanka. In the wake of the recent Air India crash, national aviation authorities have intensified their focus on safety protocols, making strong and experienced leadership at CAASL more vital than ever.
